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Warren Temple United Methodist Church and First United Methodist Church teamed up Wednesday morning to feed those in need in the community. This was the church’s food box drive for the first time since February before the pandemic hit. 

“We are resurrecting and bringing to life our food boxes,” said Temple Pastor Carl Epps. “Warren Temple has been doing the food box ministry for the last six to seven years. When COVID-19 came about, we had to discontinue it, but now we really recognize the need and are giving back to our community.” 

With masks and gloves on, members and volunteers of both churches stuffed car trunks with fresh fruits and vegetables, cereal and meat. Feeding the Valley helped provide food for the event. 

“We come together as bodies of Christ to make a difference in our community,” Epps said. “This is the church’s way of making a difference, and we know these are some difficult times. It is our time to help out in the community.”    

The church gave away more than 1,200 pounds of food Wednesday morning. 

“We wanted everybody to be able to have an ample amount of supply of food to use,” Epps said.

 “It is important that our churches gather and partner like this. This is a new partnership and new beginning for us but you can expect these types of events to keep happening.” 

Associate Pastor of FUMC Ben Willis said he was extremely excited about the partnership between the two sister churches. 

“We just feel like it’s super important to work within the connection of the United Methodist Church,” Willis said. “It’s a pleasure to be able to serve alongside them.” 

Willis said as they reflect on what it was happening in the world they know food insecurity has become a major issue. 

“What more can the church do in today’s world than to nourish the community, whether that be through food boxes or spiritually?” Willis said. 

“We feel that it’s super important to come together in a world that’s too often divided.” 

The church hopes to soon be able to begin its monthly food box drive again.